Enhancing Speaking Skills of ESL Learners through Task-Based Language Teaching: An Analytical Study at BS Level in Rahim Yar Khan

Abstract

The current study focuses on the issue of task-based language teaching (TBLT) effectiveness in developing speaking skills among the ESL students of the Bachelor of Science (BS) level. The study was quantitative and the data was gathered on 300 undergraduate students on both the public and private institutions in Rahim Yar Khan. The data were obtained by the use of 30-item Likert scale questionnaire aimed at the measurement of speaking confidence, fluency, classroom interaction, and speaking anxiety, and the scores of speaking performance of learners. The SPSS was used to perform descriptive statistical analysis. The results indicated that the learners who received task based oral instructions posted an improvement in their oral interactions, confidence and oral communication skills compared to learners who were taught using the conventional teaching methods. The conclusions of the study are that task based language teaching is a good teaching method in acquisition of speaking skills at undergraduate level.